I got one of the 4” EX-01 G-mascus when they were on sale. Man, I was actually surprised with how sharp it was out of the box. All I’ve had to do is strop the edge to keep it scary sharp. Nice blade!
Alchemy_1 Absolutely, I really slept on this one. What got me interested was the Knifeworks Doug Ritter knife that is made by Hogue, when Benchmade dropped the design. A better knife than the grip IMO.
Couldn’t agree more! I think Hogue’s are suuuuper underrated. And I find their cryogenic heat treat on their 154CM and CPM154 (while not being the most Gucci steel around) is pretty stellar re: holding an edge, ability to sharpen and all around toughness. Hogue actually supplies special forces with their folders to use in the field. And their fixed blades in A2 are absolute tanks as well. I’m really anxious to grab one of their new Deka’s to check that out. Curious how their version of the axis lock and their heat treat on the 20cv is. Look like great little EDC’rs 😎
@Nate K, yes it is a nice drop point. I do like that Benchmade Adamas 275 drop point as well. Pretty standard drop point blade shape with saber grind which is why I like it.
I find some G96 CLP inside the pivot and on the blade cures any lock stock. Specifically the G96 over your run of the mill Break Free’s etc. Got turned onto G96 from the crew at BCM using it on all their rifles. And if it’s good enough for Paul Buffoni, it’s good enough for me. But for some reason G96 seems to alleviate any and all lock stick (over anything else I’ve tested) regardless of the locking mechanism and blade steel. Wilson Combat “Universal” Lube is also a go to. Can pick your viscosity of choice, however, I find the Universal to be a sweet spot. It’ll be thicker than the G96. Anyway, have fun, and thanks for the review. I picked up a Hogue EX-02 that is a flawless masterpiece. Was gonna grab an EX-01 (on sale for $140) but after watching your vid you changed my mind haha. Bradford Guardian 4.5 in 3V is en route instead 🙃😛 Love the vids!!! 👊🏼😎 - Pete
Pretty much how I felt about my Spydiechef. Absolute surprise purchase, loved it more than I thought. Goal for 2020 more 154cm (the Emerson we talked about and a hogue in it).
I’m sure you’ll enjoy all of those. Solid products and it goes to the fact that we already have some great stuff out here and we don’t constantly need new stuff 👊
Hogue is really putting out a awesome product for a great price!! When you do your follow up video let us know what you used for sharpening please!!! My next purchase will definitely be the Hogue Ritter RSK!! Thanks as always for sharing brother it’s much appreciated!!!👊👊👊
💯, man. It shows that things can be made here, with an attention to detail, and not be super expensive. I appreciate the view and comment. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the RSK. 👊
Great review! I’ve been interested in this knife for some time now when I found out they made a Doug Ritter RSK. Question for you. I have a couple folders I would consider in this class. I switch out two Gerber 06 manual knives in S30V with aluminum handles (serrated and plain edge), the Benchmade Griptilian 551 full size in S30V with Applied Weapons Tech aluminum handles, the rare Benchmade Ritter Griptilian full size with Applied Weapons Tech scales in M390 and the Benchmade Adamas 275 in D2. Obviously I prefer heavy folders with strong locks. Would you know how this EX-01 compares to any of those? Kind of random I know. But lately I find myself rocking a good ‘ole Buck 110 with aluminum bolsters, drop point and pocket clip in 420HC with that tried and true BOS heat treat. That thing takes a razor edge and it’s easy as hell to sharpen in the field with a Work Sharp pocket sharpener. I find myself pairing it with an Ontario RD Tanto or RD6 on camping and backpacking trips. Love how Buck represents Idaho and I’m wondering why the hell I spent all that money on ‘super steel’ knives, albeit tough knives. Thanks.
I usually do alternating strokes when I’m stropping it seems to work pretty well I recently got some of that one micron and half micron diamond spray I like it a lot better than the compound
Awesome video! And man I’ve been looking at Houge now for a while and they do look like they’re built to last. I’m definitely going to get one and check it out thanks for the review 👊✌️ #HillTopKnivesAndGearRocks
I think the edge is too far gone for the strops, hit it up on a stone or some rods then give it a strop. Hey I was considering getting this knife, but I don't like the button lock stick, I noticed a few other people have the same issue. Really considering something else now. I just got an E775 Griffin and the button lock is so smooth and light when deploting and retracting, I think I would be bothered by the difference, a damn shame too because I was looking forward to getting this.
Yeah, I thought I mentioned that in the video? I made a video where I sharpened it up on my Shapton glass 500. I hate editing sharpening videos though. So, I have a Super Freek cardboard cutting vid and this sharpening sitting on an SD card taking up space 🤣. The stick went away the more I used it. I definitely think you should buy what you’re going to like in the long run though. Nothing like feeling like you made the wrong purchase. I stay away from Chinese gear though. Just personal preference and a choice I made several years back.
@@Alumapro23 I would say some of the high end Chinese brands Like Kizer and WE have a better quality control and track record than Benchmade do. Not sure why you brought them up though but that's my 2 cents.
I don’t avoid Chinese brands because of quality. That seems to be a common misconception whenever someone says they do not buy Chinese. China has gone to great lengths to steal, yes, steal, some great designs. I do not support the way they do business or their government, personally. Even if they had Swiss timepiece or German car level knives, I personally would not buy them.
@@Alumapro23 I think you shouldn't over generalize China as a country with individual knife companies. A single knife company doesn't represent the entire Chinese nation. For example Kizer has nothing to do with what Ganzo clone. If Ganzo steal a knife design, you can't blame Kizer or hold Artisan Cutlery or WE knives responsible or tar them with the same brush. Same with their government, it's not the workers at Kizers fault if their government has laws or policies you disagree with. The same can be said of me and my government. It would seem strange if somebody said "Listen Aaron I like that knife you just made, but because you live in the UK and I hate your government I'm not going to buy a knife from you" Would it really be fair to punish me for something my politicians do. I have no control over who the UK invades, or who our corrupt politicians do business with. I'm just trying to make a knife over here. Same with Kizer, I don't want to turn my knife collecting hobby into a political judgement system, I just like knives, if I see a knife made by somebody I will buy it. I don't really need to check the nations background to make a purchase. For example I ordered a Spyderco Endura made in Japan, but I also know the Japanese government oppressed the Ainu population and people. Should I send my Endura back to Japan and say "Sorry I don't appreciate what the Japanese government did to the Ainu, so now I don't do business with Seki City" Seems a bit over the top to me, it's not Spyderco Seki city factory fault that the Ainu were oppressed.
Londinium Armoury I don’t think you should tell me what to do. Just like I said above. People assume someone is referring to quality when they mention China. I clarified for you and stated that I, personally, do not support China due to their government. It is a communist country. That means they run everything. That has nothing to do with the people. Again, something that is commonly misconstrued. The people could be angels walking the face of earth, only matched by the perfectness of Jesus Christ. That has zero to do with what their government is forcing them to do through laws, regulations, and brute force. Again, that’s is how I, personally, choose to spend my money. I was not telling you how to spend money and I’m not telling others how to spend theirs. I do not go to work with you all everyday. I have no say in how you all spend your money. Neither do you, or anyone else, have a right to say how I chose to spend mine. What is it about saying China that gets people so riled up?
I got one of the 4” EX-01 G-mascus when they were on sale. Man, I was actually surprised with how sharp it was out of the box. All I’ve had to do is strop the edge to keep it scary sharp. Nice blade!
Great stuff, right? It’s crazy to me that I waited so long before getting a Hogue.
Alchemy_1 Absolutely, I really slept on this one. What got me interested was the Knifeworks Doug Ritter knife that is made by Hogue, when Benchmade dropped the design. A better knife than the grip IMO.
Couldn’t agree more! I think Hogue’s are suuuuper underrated. And I find their cryogenic heat treat on their 154CM and CPM154 (while not being the most Gucci steel around) is pretty stellar re: holding an edge, ability to sharpen and all around toughness. Hogue actually supplies special forces with their folders to use in the field. And their fixed blades in A2 are absolute tanks as well. I’m really anxious to grab one of their new Deka’s to check that out. Curious how their version of the axis lock and their heat treat on the 20cv is. Look like great little EDC’rs 😎
They really do great work at Hogue. Thanks for the video!
Yessir! 👊
I freaking love this knife. That is the nicest looking drop point blade out.
💯👊
@Nate K, yes it is a nice drop point. I do like that Benchmade Adamas 275 drop point as well. Pretty standard drop point blade shape with saber grind which is why I like it.
I find some G96 CLP inside the pivot and on the blade cures any lock stock. Specifically the G96 over your run of the mill Break Free’s etc. Got turned onto G96 from the crew at BCM using it on all their rifles. And if it’s good enough for Paul Buffoni, it’s good enough for me. But for some reason G96 seems to alleviate any and all lock stick (over anything else I’ve tested) regardless of the locking mechanism and blade steel. Wilson Combat “Universal” Lube is also a go to. Can pick your viscosity of choice, however, I find the Universal to be a sweet spot. It’ll be thicker than the G96. Anyway, have fun, and thanks for the review. I picked up a Hogue EX-02 that is a flawless masterpiece. Was gonna grab an EX-01 (on sale for $140) but after watching your vid you changed my mind haha. Bradford Guardian 4.5 in 3V is en route instead 🙃😛 Love the vids!!! 👊🏼😎 - Pete
I don’t think I’ve ever seen g96. I will have to keep an eye out for it. Thanks for the tip. 👊🙏
I don’t think I’ve ever seen g96. I will have to keep an eye out for it. Thanks for the tip. 👊🙏
Pretty much how I felt about my Spydiechef. Absolute surprise purchase, loved it more than I thought. Goal for 2020 more 154cm (the Emerson we talked about and a hogue in it).
I’m sure you’ll enjoy all of those. Solid products and it goes to the fact that we already have some great stuff out here and we don’t constantly need new stuff 👊
Hogue is really putting out a awesome product for a great price!! When you do your follow up video let us know what you used for sharpening please!!! My next purchase will definitely be the Hogue Ritter RSK!! Thanks as always for sharing brother it’s much appreciated!!!👊👊👊
💯, man. It shows that things can be made here, with an attention to detail, and not be super expensive. I appreciate the view and comment. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the RSK. 👊
Good review/info. Quality production.
Nice man, you should sharpen on your Glass stones.
Maybe if I get the guts. I’ll definitely think on it. 👊
Great review! I’ve been interested in this knife for some time now when I found out they made a Doug Ritter RSK. Question for you. I have a couple folders I would consider in this class. I switch out two Gerber 06 manual knives in S30V with aluminum handles (serrated and plain edge), the Benchmade Griptilian 551 full size in S30V with Applied Weapons Tech aluminum handles, the rare Benchmade Ritter Griptilian full size with Applied Weapons Tech scales in M390 and the Benchmade Adamas 275 in D2. Obviously I prefer heavy folders with strong locks. Would you know how this EX-01 compares to any of those? Kind of random I know. But lately I find myself rocking a good ‘ole Buck 110 with aluminum bolsters, drop point and pocket clip in 420HC with that tried and true BOS heat treat. That thing takes a razor edge and it’s easy as hell to sharpen in the field with a Work Sharp pocket sharpener. I find myself pairing it with an Ontario RD Tanto or RD6 on camping and backpacking trips. Love how Buck represents Idaho and I’m wondering why the hell I spent all that money on ‘super steel’ knives, albeit tough knives. Thanks.
I usually do alternating strokes when I’m stropping it seems to work pretty well I recently got some of that one micron and half micron diamond spray I like it a lot better than the compound
The cbn is definitely where it’s at 👊
Great review! Would you recommend a Hogue EX-01 over a Cold Steel Code 4? Both with a 3.5” tanto blade.
I’d opt for the EX-01. Not because the CS is “bad”, but I like to buy as many American luxury items as possible.
👍👍👍👍👍
👊
I’ve got the tanto version. Love it.
👊
Great vid, do you happen to know how high Hogue heat treats their 20cv? Like on the Doug Ritter...
It’s 60-61. Some of the best on the production market. Outpost76, Gerald, has cut tested the knife and Jcoolg219 has hardness rested one.
Interesting....
Are u alchemy on blade forums selling this knife?
Awesome video! And man I’ve been looking at Houge now for a while and they do look like they’re built to last. I’m definitely going to get one and check it out thanks for the review 👊✌️
#HillTopKnivesAndGearRocks
Thank you, sir 👊. BJ is the man, isn’t he?
Alchemy_1
Yeah he does! 👊
Are these knives 🔪 made in the USA 🇺🇸?
Yessir! 👊
I think the edge is too far gone for the strops, hit it up on a stone or some rods then give it a strop. Hey I was considering getting this knife, but I don't like the button lock stick, I noticed a few other people have the same issue. Really considering something else now. I just got an E775 Griffin and the button lock is so smooth and light when deploting and retracting, I think I would be bothered by the difference, a damn shame too because I was looking forward to getting this.
Yeah, I thought I mentioned that in the video? I made a video where I sharpened it up on my Shapton glass 500. I hate editing sharpening videos though. So, I have a Super Freek cardboard cutting vid and this sharpening sitting on an SD card taking up space 🤣.
The stick went away the more I used it. I definitely think you should buy what you’re going to like in the long run though. Nothing like feeling like you made the wrong purchase. I stay away from Chinese gear though. Just personal preference and a choice I made several years back.
@@Alumapro23 I would say some of the high end Chinese brands Like Kizer and WE have a better quality control and track record than Benchmade do. Not sure why you brought them up though but that's my 2 cents.
I don’t avoid Chinese brands because of quality. That seems to be a common misconception whenever someone says they do not buy Chinese. China has gone to great lengths to steal, yes, steal, some great designs. I do not support the way they do business or their government, personally. Even if they had Swiss timepiece or German car level knives, I personally would not buy them.
@@Alumapro23 I think you shouldn't over generalize China as a country with individual knife companies. A single knife company doesn't represent the entire Chinese nation. For example Kizer has nothing to do with what Ganzo clone. If Ganzo steal a knife design, you can't blame Kizer or hold Artisan Cutlery or WE knives responsible or tar them with the same brush. Same with their government, it's not the workers at Kizers fault if their government has laws or policies you disagree with. The same can be said of me and my government. It would seem strange if somebody said "Listen Aaron I like that knife you just made, but because you live in the UK and I hate your government I'm not going to buy a knife from you" Would it really be fair to punish me for something my politicians do. I have no control over who the UK invades, or who our corrupt politicians do business with. I'm just trying to make a knife over here. Same with Kizer, I don't want to turn my knife collecting hobby into a political judgement system, I just like knives, if I see a knife made by somebody I will buy it. I don't really need to check the nations background to make a purchase. For example I ordered a Spyderco Endura made in Japan, but I also know the Japanese government oppressed the Ainu population and people. Should I send my Endura back to Japan and say "Sorry I don't appreciate what the Japanese government did to the Ainu, so now I don't do business with Seki City" Seems a bit over the top to me, it's not Spyderco Seki city factory fault that the Ainu were oppressed.
Londinium Armoury I don’t think you should tell me what to do. Just like I said above. People assume someone is referring to quality when they mention China. I clarified for you and stated that I, personally, do not support China due to their government. It is a communist country. That means they run everything. That has nothing to do with the people. Again, something that is commonly misconstrued. The people could be angels walking the face of earth, only matched by the perfectness of Jesus Christ. That has zero to do with what their government is forcing them to do through laws, regulations, and brute force.
Again, that’s is how I, personally, choose to spend my money. I was not telling you how to spend money and I’m not telling others how to spend theirs. I do not go to work with you all everyday. I have no say in how you all spend your money. Neither do you, or anyone else, have a right to say how I chose to spend mine.
What is it about saying China that gets people so riled up?
your dog could invest in some manners,,, i like your video's